Imperial War Museum North
A powerful, free museum exploring the impact of war through striking architecture and interactive exhibits.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
Imperial War Museum North
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A powerful, free museum exploring the impact of war through striking architecture and interactive exhibits.
"A must-visit war memorial museum with remarkable creativity and a surreal, moving experience."
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to support the museum's mission.
NCP Parking Alert :warning:
If driving, be aware NCP parking requires payment within 24 hours, consider their app.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Main Exhibition Hall
Immersive displays showcasing the human cost of conflict with powerful artifacts and survivor stories.

Interactive Action Stations
Engage with history through screen-based simulations like tank driving and Enigma machine experiences.

3D Animations
Experience history brought to life with captivating 3D animations shown every 40 minutes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Combine Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to support the museum's mission.
NCP Parking Alert :warning:
If driving, be aware NCP parking requires payment within 24 hours, consider their app.
Allow Ample Time :clock1:
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the exhibits and interactive displays thoroughly.
Combine with Lowry :bridge:
Easily walk over the bridge to explore The Lowry art centre and its LS Lowry collection.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to support the museum's mission.
NCP Parking Alert :warning:
If driving, be aware NCP parking requires payment within 24 hours, consider their app.
Allow Ample Time :clock1:
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the exhibits and interactive displays thoroughly.
Combine with Lowry :bridge:
Easily walk over the bridge to explore The Lowry art centre and its LS Lowry collection.
Kid-Friendly Fun :child:
Interactive stations and engaging displays make it a great experience for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Imperial War Museum North for its powerful exhibits, engaging interactive displays, and the significant fact that it offers free admission. The museum's striking architecture and the opportunity to combine a visit with nearby attractions like The Lowry and Old Trafford are also frequently highlighted as major positives. Some minor points of concern include the NCP parking system and the potential for crowds during peak times.
"First time I’d visited here for almost 20 years. Still free entry, which is great. The collection & use of the space has improved a little over that time. A couple of interactive exhibits such as tank driving & an Enigma machine (both screen based) to have a play on. Parking is run by NCP but the pay machine was out of order so you may want to download the app just in case."
Toxteth O' Grady
"This war memorial museum is an absolute must-visit. The creativity is remarkable, with 3D animations shown every 40 minutes that bring history to life. The experience feels surreal, with real artifacts, remnants of war, powerful survivor stories, and the sacrifices made by our heroes on display. Knowledgeable staff explain war strategies in detail and even let visitors try on different types of soldier helmets and armour used throughout the years. For a free tour, the quality is outstanding, though donations are welcome, and there’s also a great shop with Imperial War Museum branded gifts. The action stations are a fantastic way to interact and experience real-life wartime scenarios. Truly worth the time, highly recommended!"
Charani De Silva
"Excellent museum.
Spacious facility.
Great exhibits.
Helpful staff.
Free entrance.
How be careful NCP parking must be paid with in 24 hours.
Highly recommended if in Manchester."
Khalid Khaliq
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Salford Quays, easily accessible by public transport. You can take the Metrolink tram to MediaCityUK or alight at Harbour City. Several bus routes also serve the area. If driving, NCP parking is available nearby.
Yes, it's a straightforward walk of about 15-20 minutes between the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford.
NCP parking is available. However, be aware that payment must be made within 24 hours, so it's advisable to download the NCP app to manage your parking.
Absolutely! It's conveniently located near The Lowry arts centre, and a short walk from Old Trafford football stadium, making it easy to plan a day of exploration.
While one reviewer didn't explicitly see a lift, it's common for modern museums to have accessible facilities. It's best to check with the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Imperial War Museum North is free. However, donations are welcomed to support the museum's operations and exhibitions.
As entry is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special events or exhibitions, it's always a good idea to check the museum's official website.
Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Imperial War Museum North website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures.
While the main museum is free, temporary exhibitions may sometimes have a separate charge or require pre-booking. Always check the museum's website for details on current exhibitions.
Donation boxes are typically located near the reception area. You can also support the museum by purchasing items from the gift shop or exhibition catalogues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a range of exhibits covering various conflicts, with a focus on the effects of war. Expect powerful artifacts, survivor stories, and interactive elements like tank driving simulations.
Yes, the museum features interactive exhibits, including screen-based simulations for tank driving and operating an Enigma machine, offering a hands-on way to learn.
Most visitors find that 2-3 hours is sufficient to explore the main exhibits and engage with the interactive displays.
Yes, the interactive stations and engaging displays make it a suitable and educational visit for families with children.
Knowledgeable staff may offer opportunities to try on different types of soldier helmets and armor used throughout history, adding a unique tactile element to the visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located on the ground floor, offering refreshments and light meals for visitors.
The cafe typically offers a selection of drinks, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient spot to refuel during your visit.
Salford Quays has a variety of dining options, including restaurants and cafes at The Lowry and MediaCityUK, which are a short walk away.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or not at all within museum galleries. The on-site cafe is the primary option.
Yes, there is a gift shop on the ground floor selling Imperial War Museum branded gifts and souvenirs.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial purposes, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain areas. It's always best to check for specific signage within the museum.
The striking architecture of the museum itself, particularly its exterior, offers great photographic opportunities. Inside, the immersive displays and artifacts can also make for compelling shots.
For personal social media sharing, non-flash photography is usually permitted. However, for professional or commercial use, you would likely need to seek permission from the museum.
Capturing the 3D animations might be restricted to prevent disruption or copyright issues. Check for specific guidelines in the screening area.
Searching for 'Imperial War Museum North' on Instagram or TikTok can provide a wealth of user-generated photos and videos, giving you ideas for shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Day-Trippers from Manchester
⚽ Football Fans (Pre-Match Visit)
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Conflict
The interior is equally thoughtful, with a central exhibition space designed to feel both vast and intimate. The use of light and shadow plays a crucial role in shaping the visitor's emotional journey through the exhibits. The museum's design encourages contemplation and engagement with the difficult subject matter it presents, making the building itself a significant part of the overall experience.
Engaging with History: Interactive Exhibits
The museum also features 3D animations shown at regular intervals, which use cutting-edge technology to present historical events and personal stories in a compelling and immersive manner. These visual narratives help to contextualize the artifacts and personal accounts, making the impact of war more relatable and understandable. The combination of these interactive features ensures that the museum is not just a place of passive observation but an active space for learning and reflection.
A Day Out in Salford Quays
For sports enthusiasts, Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United Football Club, is also within easy walking distance. This makes IWM North an ideal starting point for a day that combines history, art, and sport. The surrounding Quays area itself is also worth exploring, with its modern architecture, waterside cafes, and bustling atmosphere, offering plenty of opportunities for dining and relaxation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit